We don’t just build machines; we’re building India’s tomorrow
Caterpillar is known for providing products and services of the greatest value for its customers. The company’s products are designed to facilitate ease of operation, safety and efficiency for its customers. In an exclusive interview to CONSTRUCTION OPPORTUNITIES, MUKUL DIXIT, DIRECTOR OF SALES & MARKETING FOR GLOBAL CONSTRUCTION & INFRASTRUCTURE (GCI), CATERPILLAR INDIA, gives an overview on the CE industry, game changing technologies and a lot more.
Give us an overview on the Indian CE market, latest technology trends and market dynamics.
As India experiences rapid population growth and urbanization, the need for modern infrastructure—spanning roads, bridges, housing, airports, and utilities—has become critical. Government-led projects like Bharatmala, the National Infrastructure Pipeline, and the Smart Cities Mission are fueling this growth, creating robust demand in the construction equipment market. The industry is on the cusp of transformative trends that promise to redefine its future:
Integration of technology: There is a surge in the use of advanced technologies such as telematics, machine learning, AI, 5G, 3D printing in heavy machinery operations to enable remote operations, health monitoring, improve efficiency, safety and productivity
Electrification: Many manufacturers are investing in electric-powered earthmoving equipment which is more energy-efficient, produces fewer emissions and has lower operating costs than traditional diesel-powered equipment. The use of electric-powered excavators, wheel loaders, and bulldozers is expected to increase in the coming years
Autonomous and semi-autonomous machines: Earthmoving equipment with autonomous and semi-autonomous capabilities is becoming increasingly popular in the industry. These machines are equipped with advanced sensors, cameras, and control systems, enabling them to operate autonomously or with minimal human intervention
Advanced materials: The use of advanced materials, such as high-strength steel and lightweight composites, is becoming more prevalent in earthmoving equipment. These materials can improve equipment durability, reduce weight, and increase fuel efficiency
Tell us about your product portfolio. Game changing technology/products developed by your company.
Caterpillar has been manufacturing in India for over fifty years. At present, our footprint includes state-of-the art manufacturing facilities, high tech research and development, as well as numerous global support organizations. Off-highway trucks, large mining trucks, hydraulic excavators, motor graders, skid steer loaders, backhoe loaders, engines, and generator sets are among the products that we make in India. We don’t just build machines; we’re building India’s tomorrow, and our journey has been both transformative and aligned with our global vision. India is an important global manufacturing hub, and recognizing it as such, we’ve invested significantly in our local operations.
We have an intricate network with hundreds of suppliers, not just serving our Indian customers but also catering to global demands. Along with our subsidiary brands, we envision a more interconnected, efficient, and sustainable India.
We are committed to understanding the needs of our customers. Our technology solutions combined with the unmatched support and experience of the Cat dealer network help customers maximize their fleet efficiency and profitability.
Fuel-efficient engines: We have designed engines that are more fuel-efficient and meet the latest emissions standards. These engines can help reduce fuel consumption and emissions, resulting in lower operating costs and better environmental performance. We are providing our customers with engines that can run with blended fuel, i.e., ethanol and petrol. All our machines are essentially equipped to run on biodiesel; nevertheless, they can substitute 20 percent biodiesel right out of the factory. When biodiesel is a possibility, that is a saving. Cat machines in India are fully comply with the CEV Stage V emission norms, demonstrating the company’s commitment to environmental standards. e.g., Cat motor grader have features like extended maintenance intervals and ECO mode that reduces the fuel consumption and maintenance costs.
Advanced telematics: We are building value with big data. We have introduced tamper proof product link device which has anti-theft protection that helps the customer recover a stolen machine. We gather and transform data into actionable insights that provide game-changing customer value throughout the product life cycle. We provide real-time data on equipment performance, location, and maintenance needs. This data can be used to optimize equipment utilization, reduce downtime, and improve overall efficiency. We also offer remote monitoring of the machines to provide preventative maintenance and reduce maintenance costs.
Improved hydraulics: We have introduced new electrohydraulic system in our excavators to reduce fuel consumption, maintenance costs and improve operational controllability and efficiency. This system reduces the potential for leaks and limits energy waste by providing flow on demand to activate the hydraulics resulting in reduction of fuel consumption.
Advanced Technology: Cat technologies give the edge that is needed to improve machine and operator efficiency while working safer. Cat Motor Graders are equipped with technologies like Cat Product Link™ along with GPS connect, which not only help improve traceability and visibility but also enable the systems to observe, identify and understand different facets of heavy machinery operation without human intervention and improves the maintenance and operation of machines. Cat Motor Graders are also equipped with AccuGrade™ Grade Control System which enhances grading accuracy and virtually eliminates the need for survey stakes and reduces guesswork and costly rework by moving dirt right the first time, reducing the operating costs. Automatic blade control allows operators to improve efficiency and productivity by achieving grade faster and in fewer passes than ever before, reducing the need for traditional survey stakes or grade checkers helping the customers to complete their project way before their timeline.
Automated features: We have introduced automated features such as automatic bucket control, machine control systems, and GPS-guided systems that can help improve precision and efficiency
Enhanced Operator safety: The redesigned cab of our Cat machines provides more space, improved visibility of the surroundings through connecting glass windows, rear and side view mirrors, ensuring a comfortable and safe working environment. The cab is also designed with ROPS function to enhance safety. Ground-level engine shut-off switch stops all fuel to the engine when activated and shuts down the machine. Maintenance and refueling from the ground keep the operators from climbing onto the machine for a safer work environment. The machine is designed to ensure three points of contact when entering and exiting the machine with strategically placed walkways and grab rails. Further, it is designed with a state-of-the-art secondary steering system which, in the event of an engine stall, turns on automatically to help the operator stop the machine safely. Other features like keyless push to start button, touch screen monitor, and electrohydraulic joysticks enhance the operator comfort and controllability. These combined offerings enable our customers and operators to work in a comfortable and safer environment.
Importance of Aftermarket Services.
As a company, we are committed to understanding the needs of our customers and help them achieve the optimal product and jobsite energy lifecycle, allowing them to maximize value and minimize their total cost of operation. We offer ‘Aftermarket Performance Customer Value Agreements’ (CVAs), to support hassle-free service to customers at any point in the machine lifecycle to help maximize machine performance and utilization. This includes dealer technician support using genuine Cat parts for certain planned maintenance and fluid health management to help identify issues before they cause unexpected downtime. Customers can contact their dealer to know more about CVAs and other offers. Long-standing Cat dealers, Gainwell Commosales Pvt Ltd (GCPL) and Gmmco Ltd have all the technical information, training, access to the latest updates to provide reliable services to our customers. The improved analytical and service capabilities such as telematics, inspections, SOS Services, as well as eCommerce platforms like www.parts.cat.com, and other dealer specific mobile applications are making it easy for our customers to own, operate and maintain the equipment at a click of a button.
